Money News

Popularity of counterfeit products 'likely to rise'

Mon 15th Jun 2009

Britons are increasingly likely to be tempted into buying counterfeit products as they attempt to cut back on spending amid the recession, according to one expert.

Susie Winter, director general of the Alliance Against IP Theft, has highlighted that people are more tempted to save in the current climate, which may lead to an increase in the circulation of imitation goods.

"This is a cause of great concern given the potential harm these goods cause, both in terms of consumers being financially ripped off and their potentially dangerous nature," she stated.

Ms Winter added that unregulated vendors, such as those at car boot sales, are a particular problem and the government's verdict on the tighter controlling of the industry is still pending.

The Trading Standards Institute revealed that last year there was a 51 per cent increase in the number of counterfeit medicines seized at UK borders, as well as a 98 per cent rise in toys and a 264 per cent rise in personal care products, compared to 2006 figures.